Java in Japan – Language Guide

Java is one of the most well-known programming languages in the world and continues to be a cornerstone of the tech industry in Japan. 

It’s among the top coding languages in terms of demand, and its enduring presence is felt across newly founded startups and established large-scale companies alike.

Naturally, Java programmers looking for jobs in Japan want to know “How popular is Java in Japan?” and better yet, “How much do Java developers earn?” which I’ll answer in detail in this post. 

I’ll also touch on a few tips to help you increase your chances of getting a Java job in Japan and mention notable companies that use Java in their daily operations.

Without further ado, let’s look at Java’s popularity in Japan.

The Popularity of Java Programming Language in Japan

As I said, Java’s popularity is simply undeniable. Maybe it’s because it’s been around since 1995, but the language is still very much in use today by a wide range of businesses, and the same applies to Japan’s IT world.

Thanks to the data we’ve collected from companies over the years, we have quite a database for developer jobs and programming languages at Japan Dev. So, we’ve crunched the numbers and compiled a list of Japan's most popular programming languages. We ranked languages according to the demand we’ve deducted by the number of listings on our job board. 

Here are our results: To nobody’s surprise, Java ranks as the second most popular programming language.

As you can see, Java is right behind Python, which I also have a separate article about. Overall, Java programmers should have the easiest time when it comes to job hunting, as there are always new Java job listings out there, but how exactly is Java used in Japan? 

Let’s have a look.

The Use Cases: How Is Java Used in Japan?

As I mentioned, Java has been around for quite some time, and it’s only natural that its applications are extensive and critical. If you’re wondering how you’ll most likely use Java in practice as a working developer in Japan, here are its most popular use cases:

• Server-side Systems: Java is predominantly utilized for creating robust server-side systems that support both websites and the applications of large-scale companies. Its performance, reliability, and extensive libraries make it a top choice for backend development.

• Android App Development: While Kotlin has been on the rise in terms of popularity within the Android ecosystem, Java still maintains a strong foothold. Given its long history in mobile app development, many development teams continue to rely on Java for building and maintaining Android applications.

The widespread use of Java only emphasizes its importance and how much companies place their trust in the language. It’s a reliable and handy language to master for any developer looking for a job not just in Japan but anywhere in the world.

Java Salaries in Japan: How Much Do Java Developers Earn?

According to the data we’ve collected here at Japan Dev, the median annual salary for Java Developer positions is ¥8.6 million. Salary prospects for Java developers in Japan vary significantly based on experience and the type of company.

Analyzing Japan’s IT industry in terms of salary, the companies operating in Japan's tech scene can generally be divided into three broad categories. 

In the first category, we have traditional Japanese companies that statistically offer the lowest average pay. Domestic companies with modernized practices and large-scale international companies, which fall under the second and third categories, respectively, offer higher salaries and better working conditions.

So, Java developers can expect to earn more depending on the origin of the company and the way it’s managed (i.e. waterfall management vs. agile methodology). 

That said, if you’re applying to companies featured on Japan Dev, it’ll most likely be a second- or third-category company. Moreover, we manually select the companies we feature on our job board and pick the ones that are global-minded with the best industry practices, so you can rest assured when you apply for jobs on our platformt. 

To find out more about developer salaries in Japan, you can refer to my software developer salary guide, which has been updated for 2024. 

Top Companies Using The Java Programming Language

Now that you know that Java is just as popular in Japan as anywhere else in the world, let’s see which companies use it. 

Thanks to its widespread use, Java is used by many well-known companies, like Mercari, Japan’s first unicorn startup that provides the biggest second-hand online marketplace in Japan. That said, Mercari isn’t the only noteworthy company that uses Java.

These are a few other well-known companies that use it in their day-to-day operations:

• Rakuten: The renowned corporate giant that spans 70+ companies, Rakuten uses Java in various aspects of its business.

• PayPay Card: The FinTech company that provides payment platforms also uses Java to provide its top-notch services.

• Money Forward: Another renowned FinTech startup, Money Forward uses Java to provide personal and B2B financial management services and products.

These companies are just the tip of the iceberg in a long list of Japanese and international enterprises that appreciate Java’s flexibility and practicality.

Turning The Odds In Your Favor: Tips For Finding a Java Job in Japan

We talked about the widespread use of Java in Japan, how it ranks in second place in popularity, and how much Java developers can earn, but this post doesn’t mean much if you leave here not knowing how to score a Java job. 

So, let’s see what you can do to increase your chances of finding a Java job here in Japan.

Firstly, make sure to visit our Java jobs page regularly. We update our listings with new opportunities from trusted companies known for their excellent employment standards and practices.

Additionally, immersing yourself in the Java community can significantly aid your career. This is a general tip, even if you aren’t actively looking for jobs at the moment. Try to participate in Java-related events and meetups across Japan. 

For instance, JJUG CCC is an annual event held in Tokyo where developers of all levels can network and stay updated on the industry. If you want to dive deeper into Japan’s vibrant tech communities, you can also find other Java events held in Osaka and Kyoto (Kansai region), as well as Fukuoka.

Lastly, contributing to open-source Java projects can not only sharpen your skills but also increase your visibility in the tech community. To get started, check out our guide to Japan’s open-source community, which offers resources and tips on how to get involved.

Final Words on Java in Japan

Being one of the top three programming languages in Japan, Java has proven time and time again that it’s here to stay. The language is used in countless applications, services, and products across the globe, and the same goes for Japan, too.

To go over the main points about Java and Japan:

• Java is the second most-used programming language according to Japan Dev data

• Java is most often used for server-side systems and Android app development

• The median annual salary for a Java developer in Japan is 8.6 million JPY

Developers can increase their chances of getting Java jobs in Japan by joining the Java community here. However, they can also consider contributing to open-source projects, which can be a good way to make themselves known in the community.

While this is all I have on Java jobs in Japan, if you’re curious about how to get a job here in Japan, head over to my post “How to find a job as a software engineer in Japan” to learn the basics.